Six people are running for three seats on the Fort Madison School Board during the Sept. 12 election. Tri States Public Radio spoke with each of the candidates about why they entered the race and some of their plans if elected, including Gunther Anderson.
Anderson moved to Fort Madison about 15 years ago. He works at Pinnacle Foods.
Anderson said he entered the race for school board, despite never running for public office before, to be a voice for the local teachers. He said he supported them during their most recent contract negotiation and said he approved of the school board’s decision to move certain language, deemed non-negotiable by the state, into the employee handbook.
Anderson said he supports the construction of a new elementary school to replace two existing schools. He said the district needs to do a much better job of explaining the need to the community, given that two bond referendums failed.
He said he would like to see the district make information such as board minutes and the budget easier to understand for citizens who are not familiar with the world of education.
Early voting is underway in Lee County.
